or the past decade, at the direction of Supervisor Roberts, the County Air Pollution Control District has hosted an annual event where county residents can trade-in their pollutant-spewing gas-powered lawnmower for a new, battery powered, rechargeable electric mower.

The process is simple. The number of new mowers available for exchange is limited and the event, starting at 8 a.m., is first come, first served. Traditionally, county residents line up at the County Administration Center well before the 8 a.m. start time, so be sure to arrive early. Once in line, a place card is distributed to each person who is present with a gas mower for trade-in. When the customer reaches the front of the line, he or she hands over the gas-guzzler and is given a voucher for a new mower. The person next walks over to the cashier with both the voucher and cash or credit card in hand. After paying the reduced price ($99.99-$150), the patron pulls his or her vehicle up and the new mower is loaded in.

This event, also known as the "Mowing Down Pollution" program, has been a huge success throughout the years. Since 2000, more than 5,200 zero-emission mowers have been distributed in San Diego County, taking more than 22 tons per year of volatile organic compounds (ozone precursors) emissions out of our air.

Clearly, Mowing Down Pollution is making a difference in San Diego’s improving air quality and the quality of life for all of our citizens.

As a member of the California Air Resources Control Board, Supervisor Roberts is on the leading edge of cleaning up the air in San Diego and across California.